From: Nicholas Caldwell <nicholascaldwell@e...>
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2004 12:25:45 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Future of Full Thrust WAS Re: [FT] Even more NAC ships
Loopholes in the rules don't even figure into it in the States There are 2 big problems in the States: 1) Game is not in stores and many people are scared about ordering from overseas 2) Perception that you have to buy an outdated rulebook AND a supplement (Fleet Book) in order to play the game The second is the most ironic. It's my belief that the Fleet Book pleased existing players (a good reason for the product to exist) while becoming a barrier to entry for new players. The first is probably the bigger problem, though. One of our more fervent players also hates the six arcs introduced in the FBs, but you can't please everyone. Some possible solutions to the problem: 1) Partner with Brookhurst Hobbies to get the models into the States. 2) Release Full Thrust Lite -- a free product that describes the cinematic movement system. This and Fleet Book 1 or 2 gives you enough of the rules to play. 3) Retire Full Thrust and offer it like More Thrust. Sell Fleet Book 4) Retire Full Thrust and complete and publish FT3. :-) 5) Pictures of models available (also an issue with Eureka - do YOU know what a "British Officer in Gorilla suit looks like? I think I want one, but who can tell). It used to be simplicity itself to get new players into Full Thrust. The rules were simple, cheap and the models were easily available. Past: "That was fun -- the rules are only $15? And look at this rack of ships. Wow, these are cool. I'll take one of these and one of these" Now: "That was fun -- I have to order from England? Do they have the ships here at least? No, huh? But I could order from a website -- no pictures, huh? Ooh, look at these GW figures over here." I don't even try to bring any new people in anymore. It's like fighting tofu. The problem for us in the States is that Jon's business is doing perfectly fine meeting its own goals and supporting him. We want him to be more, 'cause we like the game. But he doesn't have any incentive -- it's just more work for him, I think. (Not to put words in your mouth, Jon -- please correct me if I'm wrong) Nick [quoted original message omitted]